das  Mineralwasser

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/mɪneʁaˈlvasɐ/

💧 What exactly is Mineralwasser?

Das Mineralwasser (noun, neuter) refers to water that originates from an underground spring and possesses original purity. It naturally contains minerals and trace elements, or it may be enriched with them. Its carbon dioxide content (either natural or added) is often characteristic.

Unlike Leitungswasser (tap water), Mineralwasser is subject to strict official controls and must be bottled directly at the source (am Quellort abgefüllt). It's a popular beverage in Germany and many other countries.

There's only this one article, das, for this word, which makes things easier! 😊

🧐 Grammar: Declining Mineralwasser

"Mineralwasser" is a neuter noun, hence it's used with the article "das". It belongs to the strong declension group. Here is the declension:

Example Sentences

1. Ich hätte gerne ein Mineralwasser ohne Kohlensäure.
   I would like a mineral water without carbonation.
2. Der Arzt empfahl, mehr Mineralwasser zu trinken.
   The doctor recommended drinking more mineral water.
3. Der Geschmack des Mineralwassers variiert je nach Quelle.
   The taste of the mineral water varies depending on the source.
4. Wir haben noch genug Mineralwasser im Keller.
   We still have enough mineral water in the basement.
5. Im Supermarkt gibt es viele verschiedene Mineralwässer.
   There are many different types of mineral water in the supermarket.

💡 How to use "das Mineralwasser"

"Mineralwasser" is an everyday word you'll hear and use frequently:

• When ordering: In a restaurant or café, you order "ein Mineralwasser" (often adding "still" for non-carbonated or "mit Kohlensäure" for carbonated).
• When shopping: You buy "eine Flasche Mineralwasser" (a bottle of mineral water) or "einen Kasten Mineralwasser" (a crate of mineral water).
• Health & Nutrition: People talk about the health benefits of Mineralwasser or its mineral content (Mineralstoffgehalt).
• Distinction: It's often distinguished from "Leitungswasser" (tap water).

⚠️ Attention: Colloquially, people often just say "Wasser" when they mean mineral water, especially when ordering ("Ein Wasser, bitte." - A water, please.). To be sure, the waiter often asks ("Still oder mit Sprudel?" - Still or sparkling?). "Selters" or "Sprudel" are also used regionally as synonyms, but usually refer to carbonated mineral water.

🧠 Mnemonics for Mineralwasser

• Article Mnemonic (das): Think of water itself: das Wasser. Since Mineralwasser is a type of water, it keeps the neuter article das. Also, many uncountable substances in German are neuter.

• Meaning Mnemonic: It's simply Mineral + Wasser = Mineral water. Water containing minerals from the earth.

Imagine das neutral little water (💧) flowing through rocks (Mineralien ⛰️) and picking up das special something. It remains das Wasser, but now it's specifically das Mineralwasser.

🔄 Similar & Different: Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Caution: Not all water is Mineralwasser! The term is legally protected in Germany.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Kellner den Gast: "Möchten Sie stilles Wasser oder mit Gas?"
Antwortet der Gast: "Ist mir egal, ich bin mit dem Fahrrad da!"

Waiter asks the guest: "Would you like still water or with gas?"
Guest replies: "Doesn't matter to me, I came by bike!"
(A pun: "mit Gas" can mean "carbonated" or "with gasoline/petrol" in different contexts. Also implies speed for the bike.)

✒️ A Little Poem

Aus tiefem Gestein, rein und klar,
kommt das Mineralwasser, wunderbar.
Mal spritzig frisch, mal sanft und still,
ein Trunk, der löscht, so wie man will.
Mit Kraft der Erde angereichert fein,
so soll gesundes Wasser sein.

From deep stone, pure and clear,
comes the mineral water, wonderful, dear.
Sometimes sparkling fresh, sometimes soft and still,
a drink that quenches, as you will.
Enriched finely with the earth's might,
that's how healthy water should be right.

🤔 A Little Riddle

Ich komme aus der Tiefe rein,
kann voller Sprudel oder stille sein.
Mineralien sind mein Schatz,
ich fülle manches Glas am Platz.

Was bin ich?

I come pure from the deep,
Can be bubbly or secrets keep (still).
Minerals are my treasure,
I fill many a glass with pleasure.

What am I?
(Solution: das Mineralwasser / mineral water)

✨ More Interesting Facts

• Word Composition: The word is clearly composed of "Mineral" (referring to the contained minerals) and "Wasser" (water).
• Variety: There's a vast number of Mineralwässer with different mineral contents and tastes. Some are rich in magnesium, others in calcium or sodium.
• Carbonation Levels: Usually distinguished between "Classic" (lots of carbonation), "Medium" (less carbonation), and "Still" or "Naturell" (no carbonation).
• Packaging: Mineralwasser is typically sold in glass or PET bottles (Glas- oder PET-Flaschen).